Over this weekend, clubs across England released their retained lists. Leeds United also put theirs out, and it came with a few surprises.
Josuha Guilavogui will leave, as everyone expected. But it was the other two players who are set to be out of contract soon that caused a bit of a stir. Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are out of contract next month, but Leeds have indicated that they are in talks with the duo. So we might see one or both of them remain at Elland Road.
Clubs putting out their lists allows other teams to see who they can pick up as free agents. Newly promoted clubs are in a unique position to benefit from signing some of these players – they get Premier League experience on a free transfer.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
Leeds United will have to outbid Saudi club for star midfielder
Credit: Imago Images
Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure has been linked with a move to Elland Road. The midfielder is set to leave Goodison Park, and is expected to attract a lot of interest this summer. Doucoure’s countryman Mahamadou N’Diaye suggested that Leeds would be an ideal fit for the 32-year old.
If the Whites want to complete a deal for the midfielder, they will have to rival Saudi clubs. According to reports, Roma and Al Shabab are also interested in signing Doucoure. The Saudi club are ready to offer £57,500-per-week to the Everton man.
This means Leeds would have to offer more than that to secure a deal. £60,000-per-week could be the sweet spot for Doucoure, which would make him one of the highest paid players at Elland Road next season.
Is Doucoure worth the money?
£60,000-per-week is approximately £3million a year. Abdoulaye Doucoure has shown over the past two years that he is a key contributor for Everton. In his new role as an advanced midfielder, he can press and cause havoc. Doucoure has also found some goalscoring touch.
Leeds cannot go into next season relying solely on Brenden Aaronson, adding Doucoure would be a huge boost to the team.
